Pfizer increases researches in Brazil
Gazeta Mercantil 04/14/2009
Pfizer must increase by 20% the number of researches developed in Brazil within next the two years, increasing the current number of people assisted which amounts to 3.8 thousand patients. The good regulatory environment and the quality of the researchers of the Country open doors in this market, according to the company. "The rules are essential, because when the research is properly carried out the data is internationally accepted", affirms the medical director of Pfizer, João Fittipaldi.
Currently, the North-American multinational invests between 15% and 17% of its income of US$ 48 billion in research. The increase of the researches in Brazil occurs precisely at a time in which the Country is included among the 10 most promising markets in the vision of the laboratory. Being included in the researches, especially in phases 2 and 3, means offering innovative medicines which are already at a more advanced stage of study. "Besides, these studies allow the exchange of a great deal of medical knowledge, providing an evolution to the treatments", says Fittipaldi. Present in Brazil since 1952, Pfizer currently keeps nearly 50 people working in studies made in more than 256 research centers spread through the Country. In 1998, such group did not get to 10 people. "The institution of Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency), the establishment of rules and the compliance with the patents were essential in that regard", he affirmed. According to the medical director, since 1996, the number of researches in the Country as a whole grew a lot, but it started slowing down its pace in 2004, and now, according to him, with the growth in the demand for new studies, it already becomes required to make a readjustment of the system of governmental authorization.